Düsseldorf Strengthen Attack with Eixler; Hannover Secure Swiss Goalkeeper Loretz

Fortuna DüsseldorfTeam·Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96 have both moved to strengthen their squads, with Düsseldorf securing the services of forward Lukas EixlerPlayer·Lukas Eixler and Hannover 96 bringing in Swiss goalkeeper Pascal Loretz. These transfers mark significant steps for both clubs as they prepare for the upcoming season, each addressing key areas.

Fortuna DüsseldorfTeam·Fortuna Düsseldorf has announced the acquisition of Lukas EixlerPlayer·Lukas Eixler on a free transfer from FSV ZwickauTeam·FSV Zwickau. The 22-year-old attacker has committed to a contract running until June 30, 2028, and will don the number 11 jersey for the Rhineland club. Eixler arrives with a notable track record, having made 71 appearances for FSV ZwickauTeam·FSV Zwickau over the past two seasons, during which he scored 16 goals.

"Lukas is a player with great potential for development, particularly impressive with his physical presence and ambidexterity. His qualities expand our attacking options and he fits our requirements perfectly. We are delighted to have signed Lukas"— Sami Arabi.

This signing comes at a pivotal time for Fortuna DüsseldorfTeam·Fortuna Düsseldorf, who endured a challenging 2025/26 season. The club finished 17th in the 2. Bundesliga, resulting in their relegation to the 3. LigaCompetition·3. Liga. Their campaign was marked by a high percentage of losses, managerial changes including Daniel ThiouneCoach·Daniel Thioune, Markus Anfang, and Alexander Ende, and an average of 1.0 goals scored per game against 1.56 conceded. Eixler's arrival is intended to inject new attacking impetus as they aim for a swift return to the second tier.

Further north, Hannover 96 has reinforced its goalkeeping department with the addition of Pascal Loretz from Swiss first-division club FC Luzern. The 23-year-old Swiss international has signed a four-year contract, securing his commitment to the Lower Saxony side until June 30, 2030. Despite his relatively young age, Loretz has already earned several call-ups to the Swiss national teamTeam·Swiss national team, including appearances in two World Cup qualifiersCompetition·World Cup Qualifiers, underscoring his experience at a high level.

"We've known Pascal for a long time, but a transfer simply wasn't feasible given our circumstances. He perfectly fits the profile we were looking for – both in terms of goalkeeping and his play with the ball. Pascal has played more than 120 Bundesliga matches in the last three years, and he's only just turned 23. He's been playing at a high level for quite some time and is in the extended squad of the Swiss national team. At the same time, we're convinced that even at his current level, he still has potential for further personal development"— Ralf Becker.

Hannover 96 concluded their 2025/26 season in a strong 4th place in the 2. Bundesliga, narrowly missing out on promotion spots. While their DFB-Pokal campaign ended in the first round, their league performance demonstrated significant potential. Loretz's arrival is expected to provide stability and further development in a crucial position as Hannover 96 looks to build on their recent success and push for promotion in the coming season.